Missile azimuth alignment system

Abstract

A continuous alignment system for preventing rotation of a missile during on-loading in a launching tube, while permitting a controlled translation of the missile in the launching tube when subjected to external seismic shocks.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A missile azimuth alignment system for preventing axial rotation of a missile while being loaded into a launching tube and for thereafter permitting shock-induced translations of the missile on a resilient missile support assembly comprising: an azimuth alignment track having a first end and a second end and comprising a pair of parallel metallic rails having a slot formed therebetween;   a track follower block having a first slider shoe retainable in said slot of said track;   a pivot follower block pivotally affixed to said track follower block and having a second slider shoe retainable in said slot of said track; and   a missile support assembly follower block pivotally affixed to said pivot follower block;   said slot in said track being widened at said second end thereof to release said second slider shoe from said track and permit translation of said missile support assembly follower block with respect to said track.   
     
     
       2. A missile azimuth alignment system as defined in claim 1 wherein said slot formed in said track is a T-shaped slot and wherein said first and said second slider shoes are each T-flange shaped shoes. 
     
     
       3. A missile azimuth alignment system as defined in claim 2 wherein said pivot follower block is pivotally affixed to said track follower block by a shoulder screw extending through said pivot follower block into said track follower block. 
     
     
       4. A missile azimuth alignment system as defined in claim 3 wherein said missile support assembly follower block is pivotally affixed to said pivot follower block by means of a cylindrical projection extending from said missile support assembly follower block into a cylindrical cavity formed in said pivot follower block. 
     
     
       5. A missile azimuth alignment system as defined in claim 4 and further comprising: a spring contained within said cylindrical projection and bearing against said pivot follower block.   
     
     
       6. A missile azimuth alignment system as defined in claim 5 and further comprising: an axial slot formed in the wall of said cylindrical projection; and   a shear pin protruding through said pivot follower block into said axial slot in said wall of said cylindrical projection.   
     
     
       7. A missile azimuth alignment system as defined in claim 6 wherein said slot in said track is widened at said first end thereof to facilitate the initial engagement of said first and said second slider shoes in said slot in said track.